Healthcare and wellbeing
Healthcare
Accessing healthcare
Use the Find a GP service to register with your local GP practice once you have arrived. The GP will be your main point of contact for everyday medical care. If you require medical attention before you have registered, you can receive treatment at a local GP surgery for up to 14 days. You can also call 111 or access the NHS app if you require medical advice in a non-emergency situation.
The University has partnered with EduHealth to offer its staff private healthcare and wellbeing plans at a discounted rate. For further healthcare information, please consult the University's Occupational Health Service pages.
Additional information for international visitors and visa holders
In cases of life-threatening emergencies such as serious road traffic accidents, strokes and heart attacks, call 999 immediately. This will connect you to a call handler who will dispatch an ambulance if necessary. Read this When to call 999 guide to be prepared.
UK healthcare is provided by the National Health Service (NHS) and is available to all UK residents. There is no charge for most basic services, such as GP consultations and non-urgent hospital care. You may, however, be required to pay for prescription medicines, dental treatment or eye care.
You can access NHS services if you are ‘ordinarily resident’ or have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application. You should bring your eVisa with you when accessing healthcare services. Visitors in the UK for less than six months, or those on an Academic Visitor visa of any length, are only entitled to free NHS hospital treatment in emergency situations. For all other medical needs, private medical insurance should be arranged for the duration of your stay. University staff can access discounted cover through EduHealth. If you are from the European Economic Area, a European Health Insurance Card will cover some healthcare costs when travelling within the EEA.
The nearest Accident & Emergency department is at the John Radcliffe Hospital on Headley Way. To call an ambulance, dial 999. Only call an ambulance when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
If your health centre is closed, call the NHS on 111, a free number for urgent healthcare needs that aren't life-threatening. The NHS website gives information on the most common conditions, or you can consult a pharmacist for advice.
The NHS offers subsidised dental services. Children receive free treatment, as do people who meet certain other criteria (check your eligibility). It can be difficult to find a dental practice with the capacity to take on new NHS patients, so ask colleagues or neighbours for recommendations. If you have private healthcare insurance, check if it includes dental cover.
University employees who use display screen equipment may be able to claim back the cost of a sight test. If you have a visual problem which requires specialist attention, you will be referred to the hospital eye service.
The University’s Occupational Health Service deliver services that prevent ill-health and promote health and wellbeing in the workplace. It also offers travel advice if you are planning to work abroad whilst employed at the University of Oxford.
Wellbeing and support services
The University is committed to creating an environment where everybody is supported to feel included and able to perform to the best of their ability as part of our community. Visit Wellbeing: Thriving at Oxford to view a suite of resources designed to help look after yourself and your colleagues, some of which are listed here.
Spectrum.Life is the University’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP); a confidential service designed to help you deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home or work life, health and general wellbeing. The EAP is provided free of charge for all University employees, their partners and dependants.
The Equality and Diversity Unit fosters an inclusive culture, supporting a wide range of staff networks and encouraging University members to get involved in national events such as Anti-bullying Week and Black History Month.
The Staff Disability Officer provides advice for staff with disabilities. Information on support available can be found on the EDU disability webpages.
Parents and carers can access a range of support initiatives designed to help you balance work and family life.
